For the past five years I have watched Jefferson Park Forward spring up from the ground after fundamental disagreement over the direction of the Jefferson Park Neighborhood Association. I am proud to co-found and lead JPF as we’ve grown and expanded our footprint within the neighborhood. And after five years of building JPF from the ground up,, seeing this organization through community development, through numerous cleanups, Jeff Fest events, gardens, and sponsorships of all kinds, it is time to pass the torch. I hereby announce my intention to retire my position as president at the end of my term next month.
Jefferson Park Forward can only continue to grow if we demonstrate vibrant leadership. That vibrancy must include new voices in leadership on our Board of Directors. My intent, if the membership agrees, will be to remain on the Board in the new role of President Emeritus, a non-voting position that will allow me to continue to share expertise with the Board while allowing the Board to respond and grow under new leadership. It is the robust. vibrant nature of our organization that we happen to have strong leadership waiting in the wings and I look forward to seeing the next chapter of Jefferson Park Forward.
I would like to extend my sincerest thank you for the pleasure and privilege of leading this organization for these past five years.
-Ryan